Date: August 17, 2017
Author: Dave Tease

Perry, Smyth through to US AM final 32

NSW State team mates Dylan Perry and Travis Smyth have progressed to the round of 32 after the opening day of match play at the US Amateur Golf Championship at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, California.

Perry prevailed on the 19th hole over American Alex Smalley, who teed it up in the 2016 US Open, while Smyth accounted for North Carolina's William Gordon 3&1.

Perry was relieved after making a clutch birdie on the first extra hole to grab the first-round win.

"I played well for the first 11 holes, but I lost my swing a little late in the round. It was nice to make a birdie down 19 to win the match though," Perry said.

The 22-year-old from the Vintage Golf Club in the Hunter Valley who was runner up in The Amateur Championship at Royal St George's in June is one of the biggest improvers in World Amateur Golf over the last 18 months. He puts his rise up the rankings down to hard work and plenty of belief in himself.

"It all started when I made the British amateur final 16 last year. I knew I could compete with the best players in the world and it has driven me to be better," Perry said.

The improvement has seen Perry reach a high of 26 after his appearance in the Amateur final, which, sadly, ended in defeated at the 38th hole. It's not, however a result that has weighed him down, instead preferring to concentrate on what the future holds in for himself in the sport.

"Obviously it's was all experience, but you just have to treat it like a game of golf. I know I have to just be patient and enjoy it, everything else will take care of itself." Perry smiled.

Shellharbour's Travis Smyth had a slightly easier task than Perry to progress to the second round, but was equally thrilled with his performance on the golf course today.

"I hit great clutch shots when I needed to most to keep in front," Smyth said.

"I played pretty solid and I'm really happy with my putting at the moment," he said.

Next up for Smyth is Brayden Thornberry of Mississippi, while Perry will face Californinan Collin Morikawa.

Round of 32 SCORES HERE